Kitwave appoints ex-Nichols CEO Millard as new chair

(Sharecast News) - Kitwave Group announced the appointment of Dr Marnie Millard OBE as its new non-executive chair on Monday, effective 30 May. She was succeeding Steve Smith, who had stepped down from the board.

The AIM-traded firm said Millard would bring extensive leadership and board experience, including her current roles as non-executive chair of Marks Electricals, University Academy 92, and MyPura.com.

She also sits on the board of Applied Nutrition and previously held board positions with Finsbury Food Group and Belvoir Group.

She is best known for her eight-year tenure as chief executive officer of drinks maker Nichols, where she led five acquisitions and oversaw a 60% rise in market capitalisation, growing the Vimto brand to £110m in retail sales.

Her earlier executive roles included senior commercial positions at Macaw, Gerber Juice and Refresco Beverages UK.

Millard was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to business and international trade.

"On behalf of everyone at Kitwave, I am delighted to welcome Marnie to the board as our new chair," said chief executive officer Ben Maxted/

"We believe that her experience and expertise will be of huge value as we continue to drive our growth strategy and enhance our customer offering.

"We are all looking forward to working with Marnie and, together, delivering further value for the group and its shareholders."

At 1059 BST, shares in Kitwave Group were up 0.63% at 317p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.